Grooming clipers vary tremendously. They can go as low as $69 and as high as a couple of hundred dollars plus. What is you price range.

I would like to get a good pair that will last for under a $100 dollars. Got any ideas. Thanks

Chcek with a local groomer and try to purchase a used one.

I purchsed a WAHL clippers for people, they make aninmal ones too. If the pet clippers are as good and the people ones I would buy one made by WAHL... I sometimes use it on one of my long hair cats who freaks out about loud noises. This one is quiet enough for even her.

"His hair is so thick and close to his skin."

it sounds like his coat is matted? in which case it's not the clippers, it's the wrong blade you have and really it would be best to get him clipped off by a groomer because most people dont have the patience or know how to deal with a heavily matted coat.

I have 2 Bichons--one has a very easy coat to groom, the other one is like sheep's wool. Very kinky and tight. I tried several clippers, namely Wahl and Oster. But I did not spend a lot of money on either one. When I figured up how much I had spent on the useless ones I found that I had spent almost as much as what a good one would cost. Then I decided to bite the bullet and spend a little more money, so I got another Oster but I spent about $149.00 for it. I ordered it from one of the pet catalogs. I must say, it works like a charm even though the kinky coat takes a lot of patience to groom. Even with the more expensive clipper I still, at times, have to scissor her off first to get to the bottom of the kinks. But it was well worth the money. Couldn't get anything done with the cheap styles. Good luck, it is well worth the extra money if you can see your way to go that route. Lot less exasperation, saves time, etc. etc. etc. Better for the pets too.